I loved this book so very much. It was perfect in everyway.

I never read a book where two people had deserved to be together. I adored Skye and Jay's story. It had everything this book, there is plenty of spice, mystery and suspense.

I couldn't recommend this book enough and i will look out for more books from this author.
Thank you for my ARC copy.

Jacob by Nicolson delivers a fun, spicy, and emotionally engaging romance that blends humor, heart, and heat in equal measure. At its core, this is a slow-burn love story—one that takes its time unraveling, making the payoff all the more satisfying.

The titular character, Jacob, is the kind of romantic lead many readers will swoon over: grounded, desirable, and quietly magnetic. He’s the type of person we all hope to meet someday, though for the characters in this story, that journey is anything but easy. Both protagonists face personal and relational obstacles that delay their connection, but what makes this book shine is how those challenges lead to growth. By the time their paths truly align, they’ve both evolved in meaningful ways.

Nicolson balances the emotional beats with plenty of lightness. The witty banter and sweet moments add warmth, while the spicy scenes are written with confidence and flair, offering a sensual edge that fans of steamy romance will definitely appreciate.

Overall, Jacob is a thoroughly enjoyable read—sweet, sexy, and full of heart. If you’re looking for a romance with depth, laughs, and a whole lot of chemistry, this one’s worth picking up.

The book is somekind of forbidden love, as the boys made a pact when they were 14. Jacob falls first and he falls hard... for his best friends (ex) girlfriend.
He keeps his feelings hidden... for years. Just for her happiness with his friend. Until they broke up....

I love his gentleness and how much he cares for her. Jacob is a keeper and he knows everything about Skye.

This book is now re-written and I still love it, but I have to admit that I love the former version more. ;)

I really enjoy the writing style and the humor of the author.

I thought Lincoln was VH Nicolson’s best, but Jacob might just have claimed the crown. The angst, the slow-burn chemistry, and the emotional weight of this story absolutely captivated me—I devoured it in less than 24 hours! Jacob is every bit the swoon-worthy book boyfriend: fiercely loyal, tattooed, and full of quiet intensity. Nicolson has crafted something truly special here—raw, romantic, and so emotionally fulfilling that I didn’t want it to end.

Intriguing Relationships Romance!!

Complicated relationships here. Jacob, Skye and Owen went to school together. Jacob and Owen are best friends, Owen was dating Skye., making Skye off-limits. Skye now works for Jacob. Skye realizes Jacob is interested, but due to a pact will not pursue her.

Details come out as we go along, all the things Jacob has done for Skye through Owen. Quite enjoyable, I found sticking to an agreement made when 14 a bit of a stretch, and the resulting drama a bit much. Overall, I enjoyed my first read from this author.

After a breathtaking, spicy start, this story's emotion kicks in and reveals a heartbreaking friends-to-lovers romance with many conflicts and obstacles to Jacob and Skye's happy ending. A teenage pact keeps Jacob from following his heart, but this doesn't stop their intense attraction. There's a suspenseful twist that concentrates Jacob's mind and makes the reader believe this likeable couple will end up together. It's an engaging story with passion, suspense, and fairytale romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I really enjoyed this spicy contemporary romance which is set in a Scottish smalltown and has the following main tropes:

- Ex‘s best friend/best friend‘s ex girlfriend
- Friends to lovers
- Off-limits
- Boss-employee

The plot is very well written and is full of emotion, humor, suspense, some twists and sizzling hot love scenes. I adored Jacob! Despite his tough exterior, he will do anything for the woman he loves, even if there’s no hope of a HEA. Skye is likable too, I still wonder why it took her so long to realise Jacob's feelings for wand hers for him. The chemistry between them crackles and the feelings and tension are palpable. Skye's ex Owen doesn't come off well in the book until near the end and I'm curious to see how he will change in his own story.
Although part of a series and despite the reunion with the protagonists from the previous book, the story can be read as a standalone.

Since high school days Jacob Baxter has been in love with Skye McNairn, her friend and later her boss as well, but she got together with his best friend Owen and Jacob hid his feelings for her. But now, fourteen years later, Owen and Skye are separated and Skye catches him in the office during a hookup with one of his loose relationships and suddenly she's attracted to him too. Gradually she discovers Jacob's true ongoing feelings for her, but they can't be together because Jacob and Owen made a pact as teenagers never to hook up with each other's ex-girlfriends and Jacob is too honorable and loyal to break the Bro Code...

If you like swoon-worthy cinnamon roll heroes and good girls gone bad, you are sure to enjoy this moving and steamy romance!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

I expected to enjoy this book, but I was blown away by how much I loved it! From the very first page, it was incredibly steamy, and I couldn't tear myself away—I finished it in just four hours. The chemistry, the witty banter, and the captivating storyline all came together perfectly. I couldn't help but smile at how ideal Jacob was for Skye. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a great romance!


**Thank you VH Nicholson and Netgalley for a copy of this book

Despite his attempts to resist Skye, Jacob finally reveals his crush on her as they spend more and more time together thanks to work. Skye has always been off-limits to him, as she was dating his best friend, Owen.

I loved how Jacob truly pays attention to Skye, to the extent that he knows her favorite items and gets her the best gifts or experiences ever. The friendship between them is also sweet and it helps form a strong foundation for them even as they explore the chance of becoming more.

If you love a high spice book with a pinch of suspense, you will love this. Unfortunately, there was a little too much other woman trope here and that lowered my ratings for this book. I also felt that the pact was not a good enough reason for Jacob to deny their relationship a chance for so long.

🤍Book review 🤍

Jacob
A SUPER HOT friends to lovers, forbidden, billionaire romance from VH Nicolson for 2025
by VH Nicolson

Jacob is a steamy friends-to-lovers, forbidden romance that kept me turning the pages. The chemistry between Jacob and Skye is undeniable, and their struggle to resist each other made for a tense, emotional ride. I liked the idea of a long-time crush and the inner conflict Jacob felt due to his loyalty to his best friend. The code between friends drama added some depth, even if it got frustrating at times. Skye had her moments, but I didn’t always feel like her feelings for Jacob were fully genuine at first. That said, there was plenty of spice, heartfelt moments, and a few twists to keep things interesting. If you're into forbidden, slow-burn love stories with drama, steam, and a bit of angst, this one's worth a read.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy, opinions are my own

Looking for a hot and spicy romance?
This one (and this series) are well worth a chance!
Jacob has been in love since they were teens
But she's his friend's ex, so that "No go!" it means.

However, she is Skye - and he's her boss!
Ignoring their attraction, torture and loss.
He can't break the brotherly code still
Even if she agreed, he never will.

Watch out, though, as mutual attraction grows
Just how they resist touching, neither knows!
But there are surprises in store for them all
With danger, mystery and a close call.

An engaging read with more than romance
Where fairy tales really deserve being given a chance.
Can they move on from what happened in the past
And find a future together at long last?

For my copy of this hot book, I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Jacob is not my type so take this one with a grain of salt...

Bonus points in this read for the yearning. If you want to feel frustrated by loyalty in an MMC or like a look but don't touch read, this will be for you.

While the space buns were a yes from me, realistically, I just can't relate. Perhaps, this particular forbidden trope just isn't for me?

Our MMC is his own undoing so this is my definition of misplaced male rage. Miscommunication aside, we saved it with some attentive relationship green flags. I didn't love the mental health rep in our villan, however I'm willing to forgive this point as I still enjoyed nearly every moment (though I was certainly raging).

In general men fighting over women in this way is an ick for me, but I can appreciate it isn't an ick for everyone. Overall, absolutely no shock Owen is a prick so I'm curious to see how his book goes and honestly can't wait to find out.

Wow, it’s a beautiful book! I finished it in one sitting—and it’s easily over 300 pages. It’s fast-paced, has dual POVs, plenty of drama, and some trigger warnings. But I devoured it. I’m now looking forward to reading more from this author.
Jacob and Skye are childhood friends. Skye is Jacob’s best friend’s ex-girlfriend, and he’s had feelings for her since he was 16. To him, she’s his soul mate. He’s cared for her from the shadows—buying her gifts under the guise of his best friend’s planned outings and always being there for her—but he never claimed her, all because of a pact he made with Owen when they were just 14.
Now, everything is different. When Skye walks in on Jacob with another woman in his office, emotions she’s buried for years come rushing back. In the tension-filled moment that follows, a spark ignites between them—unexpected, intense, and impossible to ignore—leaving Skye more confused than ever about what Jacob truly means to her.
Skye starts questioning her feelings for Jacob. The story has its ups and downs, but there’s never a dull moment.
Check the book out and let me know your thoughts—I’m sure you’ll love it too!

I consumed this in one day and if you like very steamy reads that have a serious thread running through them then The Boys of Castleview Cove is the series for you. Jacob loves Skye and has done since the first day he met her at school aged 14. However Skye is the ex of Owen one of his best friends. Along with other friend Lincoln they made a pact to never have a relationship with any of their ex partners. When Skye, who works for Jacob, finds out his feelings she decides to do something about it as it turns out she feels the same. Will Skye convince Jacob to give into temptation and give them a chance or will he stick by the pact? The way the story developed was unexpected and the interactions between the characters flowed well in my opinion. Skye as a character grew on me and by the end I really liked her. Jacob I loved from the off!! Owen I really disliked and thought he was arrogant but I’m sure there is a reason for the arrogance. Looking forward to his story in the next book. An excellent series and a new favourite author for me. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC

Thankyou net galley and boldwood books for the ARC!!!!

It wasn’t amazing but it wasn’t terrible.
It was a super fast paced book WITH a lot of drama.
The spice wasn’t spicin but that’s okay because THE CUTENESS of these characters were amazing!!!
both characters were adorable and i can not get over it!!!

This book was not great in my opinion. It was part romance, but mainly very vulgar. I wasn’t a fan of all the sex scenes. Honestly, it’s not realistic either and sets unrealistic expectations for women in the real world. I felt like the storyline was hard to follow at times and didn’t have much depth to it. Overall, I was not a fan.

"Jacob" by VH Nicolson is a hot and compelling new adult romance novel, the second in the series, It is about Jacob, who has had feelings for Skye, his best friend's ex, since they were in high school. Even with an agreement between him and his best friend never to date each other's exes, their undeniable attraction and forced proximity give way to a steamy forbidden romance.

Jacob is characterized as the "best book boyfriend," dark and intense on the surface but kind and loving inside, particularly to Skye. Skye is characterized as a strong and fierce female. The romance tension between Jacob and Skye is sustained and enjoyable to read. The "friends to lovers," "best friend's ex," and "forbidden romance" tropes are well-executed, complete with surprising twists that will captivate readers. The relationship between Jacob and Skye is both sultry and passionate. The novel contains an epic romance with a happy ending that is a strong component for the romance reader.

"Jacob" by VH Nicolson is an incandescent read for anyone who enjoys romance novels, especially forbidden romance fans, friends-to-lovers enthusiasts with plenty of chemistry and emotional exploration. Fans of the committed and swoon-worthy male hero will fall head over heels in love with Jacob.

Absolutely one of my favorite VH Nicolson books.
There’s a reason that Jacob is a favorite MC for me,
he’s been desperately in love with Skye for so long and the intense desire and passion he feels when he finally gets to love her is so powerful!
The friendship is so strong between these characters and the loyalty is admirable (even when undeserved in some cases).
Jacob and Skye’s friendship to lovers was inevitable. They had such an ease, knowledge and understanding of each other.
Skye’s realization of Jacob’s feelings, and truths revealed, open her eyes and rekindle the high school feelings she had for Jacob.
They are the sweetest, so steamy and IMO… goals.

Goodness, I don’t know how she does it - but Vicki’s magical formula for book boyfriends just ticks all of my boxes!!

I felt this way about Knox in Unexpected Eva, and that book is one of my go-to rereads. But Jacob? Oh, I LOOOOOVVVEEEDDD Jacob. My lord. That kind of slow-burn obsession - feeling that way about someone for 14 years? Okay, it’s probably highly unlikely in real life, but this is exactly why we read, right?

And Jacob LOVES Skye. Like, fully, completely, soul-deep love. The kind that makes you go “aww” and then scream into a pillow. He’s been doing things for her for years, and the slow reveal of all those little details? Yummy. The build-up of Skye finding out the depth of his feelings was perfectly paced, and her own emotional journey? Just as satisfying. I loved how none of it was sudden or rushed—it unfolded beautifully.

And Skye! What a standout FMC. She’s quirky, totally confident in her fashion choices, and I just adored her uniqueness. It felt like such a refreshing shift from the typical FMC tropes. She was strong, different, and memorable.

The drama that hit later in the book? Genuinely a good twist. I was almost bracing for the usual angsty third-act breakup (because we know it’s coming nine times out of ten), but this was better. It didn’t necessarily add to the plot; she could have left it out, but I actually preferred it. Even though we saw it coming, I think it was a better twist than we usually get.

Now, let’s talk SPICE. Vicki does it so well. The scenes were filthy in the best possible way, but they felt real - natural, like they belonged. That balance is hard to nail, but she’s got it down. It’s never overdone or random. Just right. It doesn’t read like a bad porn script :-)

But my favourite thing of all? Say it with me: E P I L O G U E S. I will die on this hill. There is nothing better than seeing our characters 10+ years into their HEA, thriving and still in love. It genuinely takes a book up a full star for me when it’s done right, and this one hits the mark.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was pretty damn close. It was what I wanted it to be, which was an easy read, great spice, EXCELLENT book boyfriend material and I’ll be coming back to this one for a re-read when I need that comfort-read feeling. Another gem from V.H. Nicolson.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC, and of course V.H. Nicolson for Jacob and all his glory. All views and opinions are completely my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jacob has loved Skye since he was 14… while she was with his best friend…. After she catches him with another woman who looks like her… everything changes 🤭

This was such an easy read, I did it in a day 🤭

I feel the stalker story was a little thrown in there when it didn’t need to be but it didn’t stop me from eating this book up…. Jacob is something else 🫠🫠 I’m a sucker for a tattooed MMC and he is written BEAUTIFULLY!

14 years of tension - that’s all I’m saying, insanely steamy, full of heart and emotion.

I’m looking forward to Owen’s book 👀